Rationale [ edit ]

Depending on how and where asbestos was applied, it might not pose any risk to most users of the building. If the fibers cannot become dislodged, they cannot be inhaled, and thus the asbestos poses no risk. However, some methods of applying asbestos, particularly flocking. allow asbestos fibers to gradually drop off into the air. Asbestos poses hazards to maintenance personnel who have to drill holes in walls for installation of cables or pipes. Even if the workers are protected, such maintenance operation may release fibers into the air, which may be inhaled by others. Interventions in areas where asbestos is present often have to follow stringent procedures.

When asbestos fibers can easily be made into airborne dust, the material is known as «friable». For example, a popcorn ceiling is extremely friable, whereas asbestos floor tile is considered non-friable.

Different countries have different regulations and methods of enforcement, when it comes to asbestos removal. It is extremely important to remember that prior to any asbestos removal procedures taking place; the client has a duty of care and must verify that the specialist removal contractor can provide proof of the following: [citation needed ]

license if licensing is required within the jurisdiction

specific asbestos public and employer liability insurance

worker training to include supervisor and contract manager training within the past 12 months

worker fit-testing and medical surveillance within 12 months

specialist equipment testing within 6 months — DOP and PAT within the EU

Optionally, the specialist contractor should be able to provide accreditation from ARCA or other such trade organization. [citation needed ]

Removal procedures [ edit ]

If removal is to be performed when users are still present in the building, it is usually necessary to relocate some users temporarily. Typically, the part of the building from which asbestos is being removed has to be sealed off in order to prevent contamination of the other areas. Methods of sealing off an area often include the use of polyethylene film, duct tape and negative air pressure machines which are fitted with HEPA filters. The idea is that the contained area is pulling fresh air in as to not allow asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. [citation needed ]

Only a special vacuum cleaner that is designed for asbestos containment (class H) can be safely used when cleaning up during and after asbestos removal. Ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot be used, even those fitted with a HEPA filter. [ 1 ] An ordinary vacuum cleaner will expel the asbestos fibres into the room air.

If the building is closed to normal users, it may be necessary to seal it off from outside atmosphere so that no accessible air is contaminated. Examples of asbestos removal enterprises include the Jussieu Campus (begun circa 1996 and still going on as of 2005 [update] ) and the Tour Montparnasse (in 2005, projected duration was three years if the tower was emptied of its users, and ten years if it were not). [citation needed ]

An asbestos-containing building that is to be torn down may have to be sealed, and to have its asbestos safely removed before ordinary demolition can be performed. The asbestos removal may take longer and cost more than the actual demolition. For example, the former seat of parliament of East Germany. the Palast der Republik. was stripped of most of its asbestos between 1998 and 2001, before it was finally demolished starting in 2006. [citation needed ]

Alternatives to removal [ edit ]

Removal is not the only means of asbestos abatement. Asbestos and asbestos-bearing materials may be «enclosed» or «encapsulated» to prevent building occupants from being exposed to the fibers. [citation needed ]

Asbestos abatement

Contents

Rationale [ edit ]

Depending on how and where asbestos was applied, it might not pose any risk to most users of the building. If the fibers cannot become dislodged, they cannot be inhaled, and thus the asbestos poses no risk. However, some methods of applying asbestos, particularly flocking. allow asbestos fibers to gradually drop off into the air. Asbestos poses hazards to maintenance personnel who have to drill holes in walls for installation of cables or pipes. Even if the workers are protected, such maintenance operation may release fibers into the air, which may be inhaled by others. Interventions in areas where asbestos is present often have to follow stringent procedures.

When asbestos fibers can easily be made into airborne dust, the material is known as «friable». For example, a popcorn ceiling is extremely friable, whereas asbestos floor tile is considered non-friable.

Different countries have different regulations and methods of enforcement, when it comes to asbestos removal. It is extremely important to remember that prior to any asbestos removal procedures taking place; the client has a duty of care and must verify that the specialist removal contractor can provide proof of the following: [citation needed ]

license if licensing is required within the jurisdiction

specific asbestos public and employer liability insurance

worker training to include supervisor and contract manager training within the past 12 months

worker fit-testing and medical surveillance within 12 months

specialist equipment testing within 6 months — DOP and PAT within the EU

Optionally, the specialist contractor should be able to provide accreditation from ARCA or other such trade organization. [citation needed ]

Removal procedures [ edit ]

If removal is to be performed when users are still present in the building, it is usually necessary to relocate some users temporarily. Typically, the part of the building from which asbestos is being removed has to be sealed off in order to prevent contamination of the other areas. Methods of sealing off an area often include the use of polyethylene film, duct tape and negative air pressure machines which are fitted with HEPA filters. The idea is that the contained area is pulling fresh air in as to not allow asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. [citation needed ]

Only a special vacuum cleaner that is designed for asbestos containment (class H) can be safely used when cleaning up during and after asbestos removal. Ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot be used, even those fitted with a HEPA filter. [ 1 ] An ordinary vacuum cleaner will expel the asbestos fibres into the room air.

If the building is closed to normal users, it may be necessary to seal it off from outside atmosphere so that no accessible air is contaminated. Examples of asbestos removal enterprises include the Jussieu Campus (begun circa 1996 and still going on as of 2005 [update] ) and the Tour Montparnasse (in 2005, projected duration was three years if the tower was emptied of its users, and ten years if it were not). [citation needed ]

An asbestos-containing building that is to be torn down may have to be sealed, and to have its asbestos safely removed before ordinary demolition can be performed. The asbestos removal may take longer and cost more than the actual demolition. For example, the former seat of parliament of East Germany. the Palast der Republik. was stripped of most of its asbestos between 1998 and 2001, before it was finally demolished starting in 2006. [citation needed ]

Alternatives to removal [ edit ]

Removal is not the only means of asbestos abatement. Asbestos and asbestos-bearing materials may be «enclosed» or «encapsulated» to prevent building occupants from being exposed to the fibers. [citation needed ]